Government’s ‘deathly silence’ on hospital concerns Shire

Laverton has been awaiting confirmation for a new health campus for years, says Shire president.

Laverton Shire president Patrick Hill says he is concerned about the future of health care in Laverton if plans for a new health campus do not go ahead.

Mr Hill said the Government had been silent on the issue since March’s State election, and he worried the lack of a firm commitment might mean the project would not happen or would be severely delayed.

“It seems like the Government has been stalling,” he said.

“There has been very little community consultation and we feel the Health Department needs to make a serious commitment and talk to Laverton about how to go ahead with this project.”

He said the hospital was in urgent need of renovations because the 50-year-old facility was in a “bad state”.

“For example, if someone is coming in for an emergency, they need to come through at the back and go past the laundry, the kitchen and all the other wards before reaching the emergency department,” he said.

“That building plays a major role in the security and health of the people of Laverton and we need it to be in good condition.

“What we want is for it to be replaced with a new, modern facility, so we can give our residents the care they need.” Mr Hill said the Shire had been lobbying for a new hospital for years.

“All we’ve been getting from the Government is this deathly silence,” he said.

“We want the Health Minister to confirm if it is still a priority and when it is going to be done by.”

The State Government is reviewing all Royalties for Regions funding, including Laverton Hospital, to ensure a more strategic approach is taken.

Further information will be provided in the near future.

It is expected the outcomes of the review will be known in time for the State Budget in September.